Hundreds of former Cambridge students gathered at Newnham College on Saturday to watch the ceremonial demolition of a wall which marked the start of a major building project.
Alumna Philippa Moore (NC 1996) won the chance to operate the digger and was watched by 400 people who stood on the forecourt of the old Porters’ Lodge.
The engineer, who lives in Trumpington and read Natural Sciences, was watched by her family and friends as she smashed down the wall.
Strachey, an accommodation block, will soon be demolished as will Newnham’s old Porters’ Lodge and part of Fawcett, another accommodation and office building.
They will be replaced with high quality social areas, a new Porters’ Lodge, a gym, a café, conference facilities, supervision rooms and a suite of modern offices.
A total of 86 student bedrooms will be removed and replaced with 90 en-suite bedrooms.
Planning permission was granted for the scheme in March this year following extensive pre-application consultation with Cambridge City Council, Cambridge Design and Conservation Panel, Historic England and local residents which helped to influence the development of the designs
The celebratory family event was part of the Cambridge University’s Alumni Festival 2016 weekend.
It included interactive science experiments for children, a barbecue, an exhibition of memories from alumnae who were at Newnham during the 1950s and 1960s, a chance to meet the building contractors, and an opportunity to explore Strachey before it is demolished.
Guests also had a chance to draw on the walls of Strachey in a special graffiti room and visit the roof to enjoy scenic views of the College.
Strachey was named after Pernel Strachey, a former Newnham student, who was Principal of the College from 1923 until 1941. The Strachey building was considered to be state-of-the-art when it was completed in 1968. It cost £300,000 to build – a sharp contrast to the refurbishment estimate which came in at £15 million!
Professor Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham College, said: “Many of our alumnae have happy memories of their time living in Strachey, but the services are now beyond repair.
“We know that our magnificent new building will create more special memories for future students. Our new building will respect the historic Champneys design of Newnham whilst taking the College forward into a dynamic and exciting future.”
Philippa Moore (NC 1996) with Professor Dame Carol Black at the Strachey Celebration Event
Philippa Moore who won the chance to operate the digger with Professor Dame Carol Black, Newnham’s Principal
The 400-strong crowd gathered on the forecourt of the old Porters’ Lodge to watch the ceremonial knocking down of the wall
Alumnae brought their families to College for the Strachey Celebration Event
Philippa Moore knocks down the wall
Philippa and the crowd cheered when she successfully knocked down the wall
Philippa is all smiles as she exits the digger
Once the crowd has been safely cleared, the building contractor continues to demolish the surrounding wall
The rubble of the wall can be seen as the flag flies above the old Porters’ Lodge for the final time
Children enjoying the interactive science experiments run by Sublime Science
Hundreds of alumnae brought their children to College for the family day
The children of Newnham alumnae enjoying the College’s stunning gardens
Newnham alumnae and their families flocked to Newnham to enjoy the celebrations
Newnham alumnae and their families flocked to Newnham to enjoy the celebrations
Young visitors to Newnham relaxing on the lawn during the Strachey Celebration Day
Newnham alumnae and their families flocked to Newnham to enjoy the celebrations
Penny Hubbard, far right, discusses the detailed display about the new building project
On the right is Dr Barbara Blacklaws, Newnham Fellow, discussing the building project with visitors to the ‘Meet the builder’ tent
David Heard, on the right, from contractor SDC, was on-hand throughout the day to answer questions about the project
Children drawing on the walls in the graffiti room in Strachey
People drawing on the walls in Strachey
Professor Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham College, takes the opportunity to draw on the wall in Strachey before it is closed forever
Professor Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham College, enjoys the view from the roof of Strachey
A view of Old Hall from the rooftop of Strachey
A view of Sidgwick and Fawcett from the roof of Strachey
An office in the old Bursary corridor of the ground floor of Strachey
An empty bedroom in the outdated Strachey building which is being demolished to make way for new facilities
Pernel Strachey, former student and Principal of Newnham College from 1923-1941.
Strachey, the accommodation and office block which was named after Pernel Strachey, former Principal.